NAHL Bismarck Bobcats

Bobcats Earn Three-Game Road Split

Published on October 18, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bismarck Bobcats News Release


OWATONNA, MN - The Bismarck Bobcats finished off a three-game road set to open division play with a 1-1-1 record following a 2-1 shootout loss to the first-place Owatonna Express at the Four Seasons Centre Sunday.

The contest was dominated by both teams' defensive units, as the two sides combined for just 43 shots in three periods plus overtime.

After a scoreless first period, Owatonna opened the scoring 1:47 into the second period when forward Zach Vierling deflected a Nick Carson shot between the legs of Bobcat goalie Ryan Faragher for a 1-0 Express lead.

Neither team was able to score for the remainder of the middle frame thanks to strong goaltending from Faragher and Express keeper Mike Shibrowski.

Shibrowski continued his spell over the Bobcats - having not allowed a goal to the Bismarck side through the first five periods the two teams played this weekend - all the way until there were 55 seconds remaining in regulation.

At the 55 second mark, newly acquired Bobcat defenseman Matt Shost took a feed from Nick Jensen and rifled a low line drive through traffic and past Shibrowski to tie the game at one, forcing overtime.

The Bobcats carried the play through the extra frame but could not break through for the game-winner. The best chance for the 'Cats came a minute and a half into OT when defenseman Sam Rendle rang a wrist shot off the post past Shibrowski.

With an overtime stalemate, the two teams proceeded to a decisive shootout.

The goaltenders took the first round, turning away both shooters. In the second, the sides traded goals from Jensen for the Bobcats and Jake Youso for the Express.

The goalies held serve in the third round before Vierling broke the shootout tie with a controversial goal that it initially appeared Faragher had saved.

Ryan Jacobson held the last hope for the visitors but his wrist shot sailed wide of Shibrowski's net, giving Owatonna the win.

Faragher finished with 22 saves but dropped to 2-3-2 on the year.

The Bobcats return home for the first time in nearly a month when they host the Alexandria Blizzard this coming Friday at the VFW Sports Center for a 7:15 PM contest.

The game will be broadcast locally on the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, Super Talk 1270, KLXX-AM, and worldwide at BismarckBobcats.com via B2 Networks. The pre-game show starts at 6:45 PM.

You won't want to miss any of the games this season, so order your Season Tickets, Family Packs and Group Night's today by calling the Bobcat Hockey Office at 701-222-3300 or by e-mailing the office for more information at gobobcathockey@aol.com.

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North American Hockey League Stories from October 18, 2009


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